AC Milan defender Mattia Caldara is set to return at Atalanta after a year and a half at the Rossoneri. The two clubs are negotiating a swap deal.
Mattia Caldara could leave AC Milan without having ever made an official appearance in the league. In a year and a half he has put together only two appearances: one in Europa League and the other in the Italian Cup, both in the past year.
Despite training for several weeks with the rest of the squad, coach Stefano Pioli has not given him any minutes so far. In order to find a bit of game rhythm after the various injuries, the 25-year-old defender played a few games with the Primavera and is now waiting for an opportunity in the first team. He may not have it, at least at Milan.
La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms the very likely possibility that Caldara returns at Atalanta in the January transfer window. Atalanta will let Simon Kjaer, on loan from Sevilla, leave and they are interested in the AC Milan defender. Atalanta aim to sign back Mattia Caldara on loan and the player has already agreed to return.
Atalanta are currently in advanced negotiations with AC Milan regarding a swap between Caldara and Kjaer. The most complicated aspect of the talks seems linked with Caldara’s salary who earns 3 million euros per season. The player should make a “sacrifice”, given that Milan are unwilling to contribute to the payment. In Bergamo, the salary cap is around 2 million per player, therefore the former Juventus must agree to take a sum less than what he currently earns.
Atalanta want to sign Caldara on loan for 18-months with the right to make the move permanent if possible. The former Juventus defender joined AC Milan in a swap deal with Leonardo Bonucci in 2017, with both players valued at €35 million. With Todibo unlikely to arrive at this point, the Rossoneri have turned their attention on Simon Kjaer for the remaining of the season.
